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Gambia's Former Minister and Co. Treason Trial Resumes
Wednesday, 02 November 2011 00:21
(JollofNews) – The treason trial of former Gambian information and communication minister Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh and Co.
resumed Tuesday at the high court in Banjul with the testimony of the first prosecution witness. Dr Janneh and co-accused are standing trial that they ‘‘conspired amongst themselves to print and distribute T-shirts bearing 'Coalition for Change Gambia, End Dictatorship Now' with intent to usurp the executive powers of the state’’
In his testimony, Jah Joof, the prosecution's first witness made his testimony by captivating the crowded court room into the unfolding events that led to his apprehension. After telling the court that he works at Classy Lady as Assistant Manager to Fatou Kuyateh, who appeared to be Dr Janneh's wife, he went on to say he was given a T-shirt by Dr Janneh in the month of May 2011. ''He came into the shop and gave us t-shirt,'' he said.
Jah Joof further shared his testimony about having seen on the 16th June 2011 members of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) visiting Classy Lady, a fashion shop located along Garba Jahumpa Road.
According to him, he was asked about the whereabouts of other staff members. ''I told them that they were not in, but some were. We were told of being wanted at the police. Three of us were then taken away by the PIU,'' he disclosed.
Far from seeing the end of his ordeal, the first prosecution witness went further to say that the PIU came for the second time and asked him if he was given a T-shirt by Dr Janneh. He replied in the positive, but was quick to draw their attention that he handed over the said t-shirt to one Sulayman Gaye, a police officer.
At this juncture, the witness was called by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) as to whether he recognizes the T-shirts. He then acknowledged the fact that it was the same T-shirts like those tendered as identification items. Thus, the defence counsel lawyer Lamin Camara did not make any objection.
Cross-examining the first prosecution witness, Lawyer Camara threw an embarrassing question asking him whether he was educated or illiterate. The prosecution witness made it clear to him that he is an illiterate.
The defence counsel was visibly trying to shake the testimony of the witness, and fired a series of questions that made the prosecution astonished: ''You have hidden the T-shirt that was given to you?; How many statements have you made at the Police?; Did you tell the police what you are telling the court?''
The defence later applied to have the statement of Jah Joof dated on the 26 May 2011 as an exhibit. The DPP objected and argued that the Evidence Act did not allow for a statement to be shown before the court.
''I think the DPP is giving an elastic interpretation'' reacted lawyer Camara who seized the opportunity to indicate that all what they are doing is to corroborate the first prosecution witness statement. ''This witness has laid down the foundation of his testimony which bears his name, telephone number, and the name of the fashion shop where he works,'' he reiterated.
The hearing was later adjourned till Wednesday 2nd November, 2011 for the prosecution to present its second witness.
Written by Abdoulie John
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Comments
What a waste of time and tax payers money.
Dr Janneh is a most loyal and upright APRC Gambian with challenging views.
So whats fresh ?
Mr Jammeh...are you all there?
Do T-shirts cause you sleepless nights.
..and I used to think you were an African patriot.
Gambians must rise up against the growing influence of Nigerian mercenary judges, magistrates and prosecutors who only serve the best interest of Yaya Jammeh. They make it easier for Yahya Jammeh to cage our innocent hardworking brothers and sisters. The clean up exercise must start from protesting against the presence of Nigerian legal minds in the Gambia. Jammeh must go but I am afraid that Dr Janneh may end up poisoned or strangled to death at Mile 2.
Gambians must rise up against the growing influence of Nigerian mercenary judges, magistrates and prosecutors who only serve the best interest of Yaya Jammeh. They make it easier for Yahya Jammeh to cage our innocent and hardworking brothers and sisters. The clean up exercise must start from protesting against the presence of Nigerian legal minds in the Gambia. Jammeh must go but I am afraid that Dr Janneh may end up poisoned or strangled to death at Mile 2.
Wow Gambia wake up and take back the nation people.
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